### Buncombe County Schools Outline Response Plan After Water Crisis

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — Buncombe County Schools have outlined a plan to bring over 20,000 students back to classrooms after a severe disruption to the county's water system caused by Helene. However, a definitive timeline has yet to be provided by school officials.

On Friday, October 11, Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson revealed during a school board meeting that 32 water tanks, each holding 5,000 gallons, will be delivered to schools currently without water. This move is part of the effort to expedite students’ return to their educational routines.

In addition to the water tanks, the county is considering other measures such as bringing in portable restroom trailers and possibly having schools share campuses or adopt shorter school days. Dr. Jackson emphasized the district's commitment to reopening schools as quickly as possible. "It's my feeling that we will be in sooner rather than later. I don't think that we are weeks and weeks and weeks away from getting back to school," he stated.

Efforts to address the water issue include reaching out to FEMA, state authorities, and the City of Asheville. Discussions are ongoing with water system officials to explore temporary solutions until the full system is restored.

The absence of a concrete timeline has left many parents, like Samuel Burleson, a local pastor, struggling to balance work and childcare. Burleson noted, "For how long? We don’t know, and that’s the part that’s, you know, it’s going to be frustrating to not know the end of the tunnel."

Once the new plan is finalized, parents will receive a 72-hour notice before students are required to return to school. Additionally, the county has launched an optional learning module featuring non-graded activities accessible online or by phone. This interim educational resource is organized by grade span and includes material teachers will revisit when regular classes resume.